Brad Smith was the perfect first Bachelor for The Bachelor Canada. He comes from a great family where his parents have been married 45 years this year, he has a likable personality and he definitely has the looks. He’s made his career in television after being Canada’s first Bachelor and has worked with several different television shows, including Canada’s number one morning show, Breakfast Television Canada. He currently hosts Chopped Canada and is a big fan of all food.
Read more about what Brad is up to now, and a lot about food in his Q&A below.
Describe yourself as a kid.
One word. Maniac. Probably a f*cking maniac. I was a nutcase. I was the type of kid that when someone said “Go run into that wall full speed.” I would say, “Okay, how many times?”
What were you involved in when you were younger?
I grew up as a swimmer and soccer player until I was about 15 or 16. I got into football late, but I enjoyed wearing speedos in public, that was my thing.
What did you do prior to The Bachelor?
I played receiver in the Canadian Football League from 2007- 2011 and then I had about a 3-month period until they asked me to come on the show.
What inspired you to go on The Bachelor?
I actually didn’t apply. I wasn’t even aware that there was going to be a show in Canada. My buddy was dating a girl at the time and one of her good friends was casting the show and my friend told her to give her my email. So they got my email when they had narrowed it down to about 10 guys but they called me the next day.
What did you do after The Bachelor ended?
One of the morning shows that I had been on a couple times while I was still with The Bachelor Canada really liked me and they were looking for a new co-host. They offered me the job so I was the co-host for Breakfast Television Toronto for almost 2 years.
What did you do after that?
Well, when I was doing Breakfast Television, they would do these food segments and after they were done cooking and yelled cut I would run in and eat everything and they thought it was hilarious. They ended up giving me a minute on the back end and I’d just come in and eat as much as possible on TV. It was disgusting. But the casting director for Chopped was a fan and asked me to come in and interview for the hosting position for Chopped Canada and I got the job.
How long has Chopped been going on in Canada?
We’re filming our 4th season right now but I started hosting season 3.
How can people watch Chopped Canada?
It’s on foodnetwork.ca and trust me it’s so much better than the American version. We don’t take ourselves so seriously here, we joke around and it’s so much more fun. Well, basically the whole show they make fun of me because I’m a doof but it’s like let’s take Brad down in front of little children or grown adults or celebrities. It is pretty great though.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Probably a dumpster behind the Ritz Carlton. Just kidding, I don’t know. People said that once I got into television I wouldn’t do anything else after but I’m really just taking every opportunity and not taking it for granted. I’m very lucky for what I do. I’ve had 5 different jobs with 5 different shows in 4 years and I’m just riding the luck that I have right now. I’ll be 43 in 10 years, it’s wild to think I’ll even make it to 43. Who knows.
If you could retire anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I’m a fan of Barbados, my parents have a place there and I go visit every year but I would probably just go somewhere where beer is cheap, it’s always hot, and you can wear a man thong in public…. Just kidding. Just a place with beer and sun and nice people. For me it’s all about the people you’re around all the time because you’re only as good as the company you keep. For me it doesn’t matter where I am, as long as I’m around good people.
What’s your favorite food?
That’s impossible. I’m like a fast food junkie. I go to restaurants like 5 nights a week and it’s really bad on my body and my bank account. I love wood-fired pizza, like thin crust Italian pizza. I also love Big Mac’s and I’m the biggest candy fan of all time. I love Sour Patch Kids.
Who is your celebrity crush?
Weirdly enough, I wasn’t a huge fan of her before I got the chance to interview her but she’s the most beautiful person I’ve ever met in my life. But as far as personality goes, I would say Jennifer Lawrence. You want someone that’s hot but can make you laugh too.
What are your top 3 favorite songs of all time?
One would have to be Hotel California by The Eagles, Build A Home by Patrick Watson and probably something by Coldplay. From 1960 until about 1994, music was actually good and it wasn’t about being good looking or sex, it was actually about music and lyrics. I do love some new stuff, it’s just that I can only hear pop music so much. The number one most played song on my playlists right now is No by Meghan Trainor, though. Which is embarrassing.
Do you have any hobbies?
Besides eating tremendous amounts of junk food? I’m like the biggest movie buff of all time. I love watching movies.
What movie could you watch over and over and not get tired of?
I was actually dating this girl one time that asked “Why do you watch the same f*cking Adam Sandler movie over and over I can’t stand it” but I just love Adam Sandler. I love old school Adam Sandler, like Billy Madison. I’m actually watching one right now on my break. He just launched one on Netflix called The Do Over so I’m watching that but I’m talking about classics like Billy Madison, Happy Gilmore, The Waterboy, Big Daddy.. All the great ones. My absolute favorite movie to watch over and over would have to be Gangs In New York with Leonardo DiCaprio.
Are you currently dating anyone?
No. I’m recently single actually.
What’s one thing that you want women to know about dating?
To not give a f*ck when you talk to the person after you see them for the first time. If you like someone, just call them right after or whenever. You don’t have to wait 2 days. If you like somebody, just go into it. And don’t use Tinder. Please. Meet at a library, meet at a f*cking coffee shop, meet anywhere but on the internet. Talk to humans in person.
What’s your ideal first date?
Mine used to be Netflix & Chill, I mean actually watching Netflix, not just having sex with someone. But now I would say I love just dinner and a movie. Not a movie out and not a dinner out, just cooking at home and people always think that’s too soon but why can’t people just hang out on a first date? Watch a good movie, eat some good food, that’s about it.
Do you have any advice for the single people that might be reading this article?
Put yourself out there. I’ve always been afraid of being in situations that make me uncomfortable but that’s always where you meet good people and those are people you wouldn’t meet if you weren’t in those situations. I’ve made so many connections and relationships with people just because I’ve put myself out there and made myself uncomfortable. That kind of thing usually results in something great. And don’t go on Tinder ever. F*ck.
Any last words for our readers?
Yes. Stay off of Tinder. Advice to the next generation: stop swiping right.
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